Rustic Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding Recipe

Rustic Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Spices

Joanna Gaines’s bread pudding turns everyday bread into a soul-soothing symphony of comfort and flavor.

Her culinary alchemy transforms mundane ingredients into a dessert that dances with warmth and nostalgia.

Soft, custardy layers melded with aromatic spices create a sensory journey that transports you to cherished kitchen memories.

The recipe weaves together simple elements with an elegant touch, promising a luxurious experience in every single bite.

Unexpected flavor notes elevate this classic dessert beyond traditional boundaries, surprising your palate with each delectable spoonful.

Fragrant and inviting, this bread pudding whispers stories of home and heart, beckoning you to savor its irresistible charm.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s more than just a sweet treat, it’s an edible embrace.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Bread Pudding by Joanna Gaines

For Bread Base:
  • Day-Old Bread: Choose slightly stale bread for the best texture and absorption.
  • Raisins: Select plump, moist raisins for bursts of natural sweetness.
For Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk, Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature ingredients for smooth custard blending.
  • Sugar: Opt for granulated sugar for even sweetness distribution.
  • Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla for rich, authentic flavor.
For Spice and Finishing:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Choose fresh, fragrant cinnamon for warm, comforting notes.
  • Melted Butter: Use unsalted butter for controlled seasoning and golden edges.

Prep Tools for Joanna’s Bread Pudding

  • Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking temperature.
  • 8-inch square baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect bread pudding base.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together creamy custard ingredients.
  • Fork: Helps distribute custard and press bread for even soaking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Blends custard ingredients to silky smoothness.
  • Butter knife or spatula: Helps spread melted butter and transfer ingredients.

Instructions for Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding

Instructions for Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding

Transform Your Kitchen with Heavenly Bread Pudding

  • Ignite the Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a mouthwatering dessert that’ll make everyone swoon.

  • Craft the Bread Foundation

Tear bread into rustic chunks in a baking pan, drizzling with melted butter and scattering raisins for an extra burst of sweetness. The key is creating irregular pieces that’ll soak up all the delicious custard.

  • Create Silky Custard Magic

Whisk milk, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luxurious liquid that promises pure comfort in every bite. Mix with gentle, loving strokes to incorporate air and create a lighter texture.

  • Merge Bread and Custard Bliss

Pour the creamy custard over bread pieces, using a fork to help every morsel absorb the incredible flavor. Press down gently, ensuring each chunk is completely saturated with deliciousness.

  • Bake to Golden Magnificence

Slide your creation into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. Watch for a stunning golden-brown top that springs back when lightly touched – a sign of pudding perfection that’ll have everyone racing to the kitchen.

Tips for Rich Bread Pudding Joanna-Style

Personalize this classic bread pudding with these delightful twists and pro tips.

Experiment with different bread types like brioche, challah, or day-old croissants for unique textures and flavors.

Toss in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries to create your signature pudding that’ll wow family and friends.

Prepare the pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a stress-free dessert that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence that transforms this humble dessert into a showstopper.

Serving Suggestions for Gaines’ Bread Pudding

  • Serve Warm and Comforting: Scoop this heavenly bread pudding into cozy bowls while it's still steaming hot, letting the aroma fill your kitchen with pure comfort.
  • Dress It Up with Sweet Toppings: Drizzle rich caramel sauce, sprinkle powdered sugar, or add a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert's decadence.
  • Create a Breakfast-to-Dessert Transformation: Enjoy this versatile treat as a morning delight with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth.
  • Pair with Complementary Beverages: Complement the bread pudding's warm spices with a cup of hot tea, a mug of rich hot chocolate, or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Store & Reheat Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding

  • Preserve Your Pudding Perfection: Smart Storage Strategies
  • Keep leftover bread pudding tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
  • Freeze for Future Comfort: Slice and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick dessert rescues. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to maintain freshness for 2-3 months.
  • Revive and Refresh: Reheat refrigerated pudding in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture and bring back that just-baked softness.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare bread pudding ingredients the night before, cover, and refrigerate the unbaked mixture. Simply pop into the oven when ready to bake, saving precious morning minutes and ensuring a stress-free breakfast or dessert.
Print
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Rustic Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding Recipe

Rustic Joanna Gaines Bread Pudding Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Joanna Gaines’ bread pudding recipe blends Southern comfort with sweet nostalgia. Rich custard and buttery bread create a classic dessert perfect for weekend gatherings. Warm vanilla sauce makes each spoonful irresistible for home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices day-old bread, torn into small pieces
  • 4 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack centered, creating an ideal baking environment for a perfectly golden bread pudding.
  2. Bread Foundation: Artfully tear bread into rustic chunks, covering the entire surface of an 8-inch baking dish, then drizzle melted butter generously to ensure complete moisture and rich flavor.
  3. Fruit Integration: Sprinkle raisins evenly across the bread, promising delightful bursts of sweetness in every spoonful.
  4. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy blend, then incorporate milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, stirring until the custard reaches a smooth, silky consistency.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Pour the creamy custard over the bread, gently pressing with a fork to help the bread absorb the liquid, then slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a rich golden-brown and springs back when lightly touched.
  6. Resting and Serving: Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the custard to set and the flavors to meld, creating a decadent dessert ready to be enjoyed warm.

Notes

  • Bread Selection: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for maximum absorption and richer texture.
  • Precise Custard Mixing: Whisk eggs and sugar thoroughly until pale and frothy to create a smooth, silky base for the pudding.
  • Moisture Control: Press bread gently with a fork while adding custard to ensure even liquid distribution and prevent dry spots.
  • Serving Suggestion: Let pudding rest after baking to allow custard to set completely, enhancing overall flavor and consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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